MoRTH sets confident target of 13,800 km national highways in FY23-24

10 Jan 2024 CW Team

As of November 30, 2023, the ministry has already constructed 5,248 km of national highways, surpassing the corresponding period of the previous year, which recorded 4,766 km. Jain highlighted the ministry's focus on awarding more highway construction projects under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) and hybrid annuity model (HAM) over the toll-operate-transfer (TOT) model due to the observed better quality of construction in projects awarded under HAM and BOT.

He emphasised that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and MoRTH are working to expedite the process of awarding projects in the fiscal year 2023-24. The goal is to award 10,000 km of national highway projects during this period, with an emphasis on companies preparing detailed project reports (DPR) for identified projects to accelerate the awarding process.

Jain also disclosed that MoRTH has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs, suggesting an online reporting mechanism for truck drivers to report accidents and avoid penalties under the new stringent laws on hit-and-run cases. The proposal is currently under consideration by the home ministry.

Despite the ambitious targets, MoRTH and NHAI have faced challenges in meeting national highway construction goals in the past, including in six of the last ten years. However, Jain highlighted the significant increase in the pace of national highway expansion under the current government compared to previous administrations.

As of November 30, 2023, the total Gross Budget Support (GBS) outlay for the Ministry in the current fiscal year stood at Rs 2.58 trillion. The ministry has already spent 66% (Rs 1.69 trillion) of the total amount, indicating a steady expenditure trend throughout the fiscal year, with incremental increases reported in October and September.

On January 5, Anurag Jain, the Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), expressed confidence in achieving the construction of 13,800 km of national highways during the fiscal year 2023-24. Jain, during a press conference for the year-end review, stated that the progress in highway construction has surpassed that of the previous year, and the ministry is optimistic about reaching the target. As of November 30, 2023, the ministry has already constructed 5,248 km of national highways, surpassing the corresponding period of the previous year, which recorded 4,766 km. Jain highlighted the ministry's focus on awarding more highway construction projects under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) and hybrid annuity model (HAM) over the toll-operate-transfer (TOT) model due to the observed better quality of construction in projects awarded under HAM and BOT. He emphasised that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and MoRTH are working to expedite the process of awarding projects in the fiscal year 2023-24. The goal is to award 10,000 km of national highway projects during this period, with an emphasis on companies preparing detailed project reports (DPR) for identified projects to accelerate the awarding process. Jain also disclosed that MoRTH has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs, suggesting an online reporting mechanism for truck drivers to report accidents and avoid penalties under the new stringent laws on hit-and-run cases. The proposal is currently under consideration by the home ministry. Despite the ambitious targets, MoRTH and NHAI have faced challenges in meeting national highway construction goals in the past, including in six of the last ten years. However, Jain highlighted the significant increase in the pace of national highway expansion under the current government compared to previous administrations. As of November 30, 2023, the total Gross Budget Support (GBS) outlay for the Ministry in the current fiscal year stood at Rs 2.58 trillion. The ministry has already spent 66% (Rs 1.69 trillion) of the total amount, indicating a steady expenditure trend throughout the fiscal year, with incremental increases reported in October and September.

Real Estate

09 Mar 2026

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..

Equipment

09 Mar 2026

Company showcases North America-certified machinery and secures new deals

Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., recently showcased a wide portfolio of North America-certified and customised construction equipment at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 in Las Vegas. The display included engineering hoisting machinery, concrete equipment, earthmoving machinery, mining equipment and construction hoisting solutions tailored to regional operational requirements.All equipment presented at the exhibition complies with North American certification standards, with several models specifically developed to meet local regulatory requirements and site conditions. One of the hig..

Technology

09 Mar 2026

Sinoboom Launches Dual-ETM Smart Technology

Sinoboom recently introduced its Dual-ETM Smart Technology at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, designed to enhance battery endurance and operational efficiency in electric boom lifts.The new technology integrates advanced components that enable real-time optimisation of power usage during equipment operation. By calculating the precise power requirement instantly, the system delivers only the energy needed for each movement, reducing the inefficiencies associated with conventional maximum-demand power systems.The solution incorporates multiple sensors—including pressure, weight, length and level sensor..